
London City Airport is located in Zone 3, just 6 miles (9.6 km) from the centre of London, making it the closest airport to the city centre. The airport is served by the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which is the cheapest and most popular transport option for travelling to and from the airport. The DLR trains depart London City Airport every 8 to 15 minutes, with additional services during peak hours. London's public transport system is divided into zones, with Zone 1 being the city centre and Zones 2-9 radiating outwards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | East London |
| Distance from London centre | 6 miles (9.6 km) |
| Transport options | Docklands Light Railway (DLR), bus, taxi |
| Zone | 3 |
| Oyster Card | Applicable |
| Travelcard | Applicable |
| Nearest motorway | M25 |
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What You'll Learn

London City Airport is in Zone 3
London's public transport system is divided into zones, with nearly all the hotels and main sights in Zone 1. The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is the most popular and cheapest way to get from the airport to Central London. The DLR station at London City Airport is fully integrated with the ticketing system for the London Underground, with trains departing every 8 to 15 minutes. Oyster cards, which can be used for all public transport in London, are available from ticket machines at the airport DLR station.
London City Airport is a small, single-terminal airport. The runway is situated next to one of the old docks, which still accommodates seagoing leisure ships. The airport's proximity to the dock means that only smaller jets can be accommodated, with flights mostly to short-haul destinations in the UK, Ireland, and Western Europe.
The airport is well-connected to the city, with Canary Wharf, Heron Quay, and South Quay all just a few stops away in Zone 2. The DLR station at the airport provides direct access to the terminal building and has a staffed ticket office, a rarity for the DLR system.
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The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is the best transport option
London City Airport is located in Zone 3, around 6 miles (9.6 km) from the centre of London. It is the closest airport to the city centre. The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is the best transport option for travelling to and from the airport.
The DLR is an automated light railway system that covers the redeveloped London Docklands area. It is one of the world's most advanced automatic train control systems, with driverless trains running between the old City of London at Bank and the new business district at Canary Wharf. The DLR station at London City Airport is connected to the airport terminal, with trains departing every 8 to 15 minutes. Ticketing and fares are integrated between the Underground and DLR, allowing passengers to switch between the two on a single journey or ticket. This makes the DLR a convenient and seamless option for travellers.
The DLR is also one of the newer London networks and is fully accessible, with lifts at all stations and wheelchair and pushchair areas on the trains. It was the first major railway infrastructure project in Britain to consider access for disabled people, with level access to trains from platforms. The DLR has been successful and has seen an increase in passenger numbers since its launch, with 98.9 million passenger journeys in the 2023/24 financial year.
In addition to its accessibility and convenience, the DLR is also a popular choice for travellers due to its unique experience. The trains run quietly and speedily along elevated tracks, offering unfolding city vistas of east and south-east London through the large windows. Passengers can even sit at the front and pretend to drive the train!
While there are other transport options, such as buses and taxis, the DLR stands out as the most efficient, cost-effective, and enjoyable way to travel to and from London City Airport.
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Oyster cards are the best payment method for public transport
London City Airport is located in Zone 3, around 6 miles (9.6 km) from the centre of London. It is the closest airport to the city centre.
Oyster cards are one of the best payment methods for public transport in London. They are electronic smartcards that you can use to pay for travel on the Tube, buses, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), tram, London Overground, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers river bus service, and most National Rail services in London. Oyster cards are available for visitors to London, and you can buy them online before you arrive in the city. They are also available at TfL Visitor Centres, stations, and Oyster ticket shops.
Oyster cards are a quick and easy way to pay for your journeys. They are more convenient than buying single tickets, which can be very expensive, and they are cheaper than buying a paper Travelcard. Oyster cards have a daily price cap, so once you reach this limit, you won't pay for any additional journeys. This makes Oyster cards a cost-effective option, especially if you plan to make multiple journeys in a day.
Additionally, Oyster cards are widely accepted across London's transport network, including buses, trains, trams, and the river bus service. They are also valid on the DLR, which is the most realistic public transport option for travelling between London City Airport and Central London. Oyster cards are also useful for travelling to other London airports, such as Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airport.
For visitors to London, a Visitor Oyster card is a good option. You can buy it before your trip and have it delivered to your home address, so it's ready to use as soon as you arrive. The pay-as-you-go credit on the card never expires, so you can keep it for future trips or lend it to others.
Overall, Oyster cards offer convenience, cost savings, and wide acceptance across London's transport network, making them one of the best payment methods for public transport in the city.
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The airport is 6 miles from London's centre
London City Airport is conveniently located just 6 miles from London's centre, making it the closest airport to the city. This means that journey times to and from the centre are shorter than from other London airports. The airport is situated in the Docklands area of London, in what was once the old London Docks. The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is the only realistic public transport option for travelling to the centre, apart from a taxi. The DLR is part of the London Underground system, and trains depart from London City Airport every 8 to 15 minutes. The airport also has its own DLR station, which is connected to the airport terminal.
The DLR is the cheapest and most popular way to get to the centre, but there are other options. You can take a taxi, for instance, with licensed London black cabs available directly outside the terminal building. As a guide, you can expect to pay around £35-£45 for a journey into central London. If you don't want to take the DLR or a taxi, there are also local red London bus services that depart from the airport. However, these are only for the immediate local area and are not recommended for travelling to the city centre due to heavy traffic.
London's public transport system is divided into zones that radiate from the centre, with nearly all the hotels and main sights located in zone 1. London City Airport is in zone 3. If you're travelling into the centre from the airport, you can pay for your ticket using a Travelcard or an Oyster card. Oyster cards are used by nearly all London residents and can be used for all London journeys on the tube, buses, some local trains, and the DLR. They can also save you money on your journeys. Travelcards, on the other hand, may be cheaper for tourists, especially if you're visiting the major sights for the first time.
If you're travelling with a lot of luggage or with family, you may find that the extra cost of a taxi is worth it to avoid the hassle of taking the DLR or bus. However, if you're staying near a Tube station, the time it takes to get to the airport is more or less the same whether you go by subway or taxi. Traffic is the biggest variable, so be sure to check road conditions before heading out to avoid getting stuck in a jam.
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The airport is outside the London Congestion Charge zone
London City Airport is located in the Docklands area of London, around 6 miles (9.6 km) from the centre of the city. It is the closest airport to Central London. The airport is served by the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which is part of the London Underground system, as well as local bus services. The airport is in travelcard zone 3, with the majority of tourist attractions located in zones 1 and 2.
The London Congestion Charge is a fee charged on most motor vehicles driven within the Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ) in Central London. The Congestion Charge zone covers the area within the London Inner Ring Road, including the City of London and the West End. The zone was introduced in 2003 to reduce traffic flow and pollution in the city centre. The standard charge is £15 per day and is in effect from 7 am to 6 pm on weekdays and from noon to 6 pm on weekends and bank holidays. The charge does not operate on Christmas Day or New Year's Day.
London City Airport is located outside the Congestion Charge zone. However, when travelling to and from the airport, motorists should be aware of the Congestion Charge zone and plan their route accordingly. Signs and road markings are in place to alert drivers when they are approaching and entering the zone.
In addition to the Congestion Charge, London also has an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) that applies to vehicles that do not meet certain emissions standards. The ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year, except for Christmas Day. As of 2023, the ULEZ covers all of Greater London.
When planning a journey to or from London City Airport, it is recommended to check the latest information on the Congestion Charge and ULEZ zones, as well as public transport options, to ensure a smooth and efficient trip.
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Frequently asked questions
London City Airport is in Zone 3.
The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is the only realistic public transport option to get to London City Airport, apart from a taxi. The London City Airport DLR station is connected to the airport terminal.
Single tickets, Travelcards and Oyster cards are available from the ticket machines at London City Airport DLR station. A zone 1-4 One Day Travelcard costs £16.60.





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